Gina Certo has been named the North Jersey Athlete of the Week—again!

The Holy Angels senior sprint star added another honor to her already decorated career after a record-shattering performance at the Puma Showcase in New York, where she ran the 300 meters in 38.41 seconds. That time not only broke the long-standing Bergen County indoor record (previously 39.28), it now ranks among the top five performances in New Jersey state history, according to NorthJersey.com. The only athletes ahead of her? Two All-Americans, Sydney McLaughlin, and Athing Mu, Olympians and household names in the world of track.

Certo’s return to top form has been anything but easy. Last year’s indoor season ended early due to knee inflammation, forcing her to miss the State Meet of Champions. Instead of pushing through, she chose rest, physical therapy, and a new strategy heading into her senior year: fewer races, more recovery, and a smarter schedule.

According to NorthJersey.com, Certo reduced her racing load significantly this winter, competing sparingly and focusing on peak moments. She opened the season with a 55.65 in the 400m, then lowered her 300m personal best at the New York International Showcase (38.41) just two days after clocking splits of 23.89 (200m) and 54.23 (400m) at the Bergen County Relays. That disciplined approach helped her reset the Bergen County 200m record as well (24.22) at the indoor championships.

She credits her support system, past coaches, current coach Nick Veneroso, and training with Parisi Sports, for helping her stay focused through injury, recovery, and transition.

Now a three-time Most Valuable Runner, reigning NJ State Champion (indoor and outdoor 400m), and multiple-time county and state record holder, Certo has redefined excellence at Holy Angels. She was previously named North Jersey Athlete of the Week as a junior, holds six AHA school records, and has earned All-State, All-County, and All-Conference distinctions across multiple seasons.

“Cutting down my schedule has helped physically and mentally,” she told NorthJersey.com. “As I’ve gotten faster, my body feels it, and I’ve learned to listen to my body and let it recover.”

With the indoor State Meet of Champions on the horizon, Certo is chasing one final medal—and with this kind of momentum, she’s poised to make history once again.

Congratulations Gina!